FIFA Women’s World Cup: The ‘beautiful’ game in a beautiful city

B.C. Place is at full capacity – 52, 193 spectators – and there’s an overwhelming colour theme: a sea of red, white and blue visible from every corner of the stadium. Yet in one of the upper-bowl sections, a small but energetic crowd of green-clad, drumming fans are making their voices heard. Welcome to the FIFA Women’s World Cup: USA vs. Nigeria, where everyone is cheering loud and proud.

“We love Vancouver, it’s awesome and this is such a great experience,” say three women, dressed in USA colours from head to toe. Stacey Atwater, Samantha Kephart and Elizabeth Rivas are from Southern California and traveled to Vancouver to watch their country in action at the biggest international competition in women’s soccer.

The three women came up to Vancouver just for this game and are pleasantly surprised to find many of their compatriots have also made the trip.

“I notice there’s a lot of USA fans; it’s nice to know how many people show up to a game out[side] of the country,” says Atwater, 20.

Atwater and her friends also recognize it’s not only their country on the world stage.

“I guess Americans are just super aggressive about our sports…in a good way. We just get into it and Canadians are there, supporting us, they don’t mind us cheering at restaurants,” says Atwater.

Rivas adds to her friend’s sentiments about Canadian hospitality.

“Everyone’s been so respectful- [the Canadian team] is playing too and [they’re] letting us walk around and take over,” says Rivas, 21.